Somerset Escape to the Country


Somerset

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This elegant Grade-I listed pier is the only one of its kind

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in the whole country that's stood the test of time.

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And that's an impressive feat considering it has to withstand

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some of the highest tides in the whole world.

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So, where am I?

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Find out in just a moment.

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Today I'm helping a sporty couple

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looking to get their feet on the UK property ladder.

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They're swapping the sights of suburbia

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for a more rural outlook in the countryside.

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That's a nice room.

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And with the view, I want to wake up to that in the morning.

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And with a top selection of properties up my sleeve,

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I'm hoping I can keep my buyers on a high.

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-A big thumbs up...

-Woo-hoo!

-..from me!

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From me as well.

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Today, I'm on Clevedon Pier

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overlooking the Severn Estuary in Somerset.

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Constructed in 1869,

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the pier was built to service steamers

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ferrying tourists across the estuary over to Wales.

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Now, as you can see, the pier stretches out to sea

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for over 300 metres.

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And was built from steel rails

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left over from Brunel's South Wales Railway.

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In fact, the proximity of the town

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to the line running between London and the South West,

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ensured Clevedon's popularity as a seaside resort

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with Victorian holiday makers.

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The county of Somerset is in the heart of the West Country,

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sandwiched between Wiltshire and Devon.

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A predominantly rural county,

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Somerset is a mix of large flat expanses of land,

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stunning coastline

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and rolling countryside.

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From Exmoor National Park to the Mendip Hills.

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On the southern tip of the Mendips is the cathedral city of Wells.

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A popular tourist destination

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due to its religious and architectural history.

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Lying adjacent to the cathedral is the impressive Bishop's Palace,

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home to the Bishops of Bath and Wells for 800 years.

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Further north, the River Chew merges with the River Avon

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to form the Chew Valley.

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Dammed in the 1950s to form Chew Valley Lake,

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the river supplies Bristol with most of its drinking water.

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It's now an important site for birdlife

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and has been designated a sight of special scientific interest.

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The pretty traditional villages of the Chew Valley,

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such as West Harptree and Stanton Drew,

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boast hundreds of listed buildings between them,

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some dating back to the 13th century.

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The main village, Chew Magna,

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was designated a conservation area in 1978

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and has recently been voted the best village in Britain.

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Boasting coast, countryside and culture,

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it's no surprise that you'll pay more than the national average

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to live in Somerset, but not as much as you might expect.

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The good commuter links and the proximity to Bath and Bristol

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make North Somerset the most expensive spot.

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With a detached house here coming in at

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about 25 grand more than the national average.

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But further south, into Somerset proper,

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and away from the major cities,

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your money will stretch a little further

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as it's only 5,000 more than the national figure.

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So why have today's buyers decided to make

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this corner of the South West their home?

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It's time to meet them and find out.

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Today's buyers are Lindsay and Patrick,

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who currently rent this three-bedroom home

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in Stoke Bishop, Bristol.

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Lindsay is from Yorkshire,

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while Patrick was born in Glasgow, but grew up in Canada.

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The well-travelled couple met five years ago

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when they were both living and working in Brussels.

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Well, I moved to Belgium from Canada in 2002

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to study at university.

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And then loved it so much that I just didn't leave.

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Made loads of friends,

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including the friend who introduced Lindsay and I.

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-Yeah.

-And then one thing led to another.

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The rest is history.

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Married now for two years,

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and with plans to start a family in the not too distant future,

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they've chosen to return to their roots in the UK

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to be closer to family.

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Our friends, when we left Brussels,

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thought we were a bit mad moving to Bristol or Somerset,

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which nobody had ever heard of.

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But after the city life for many years,

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we decided it's time to get out, and move to the country.

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Brussels has many good aspects

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but it is a bit congested, it's busy.

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Both pleased to have found jobs in Bristol,

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they decided to rent on the outskirts of the city

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while they settled back into life in the UK.

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But when it comes to finding a more permanent home,

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their sights are set on a more rural outlook.

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We're looking to move to Somerset in that

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it offers some of the best of the English countryside,

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green rolling hills...

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But, on the other hand, it offers us proximity to Bristol for work

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and for being in the city with friends.

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It feels a little bit like Scotland on a miniature version.

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I reminisce about our time up there when we got married,

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when I see the rolling countryside in Somerset.

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And the rolling hills of the West Country

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have another advantage for this couple,

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who, when not at their busy day jobs,

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still like to be on the go.

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We're both very happy getting outside in to the sunshine

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-and enjoying the outdoors.

-Exercising.

-Exercising.

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Cycling is THE sport in Belgium,

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and, conversely, I'm not very keen on the running,

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but that's Lindsay's passion.

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Yeah, I love the running.

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Currently training for a marathon, so in October,

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I'll be going back to Belgium to run the Brussels marathon.

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In Somerset you have lots of rolling hills, and different terrain,

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whereas Brussels is very, very flat.

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And being in Somerset, in the countryside,

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we'll be able to move straight out the front door

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and go walking, go cycling,

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and be in the fresh air and the green right away,

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without having to navigate through the city.

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And there's someone else who's rather keen on the outdoors

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who'll be joining them on the move.

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Snoopy is a one-year-old mischievous beagle.

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He's got lots of character.

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He's also got lots of energy and he needs at least three walks a day.

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Despite leaving behind the excitement of city life,

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and many of their friends,

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they're in no doubt this change of lifestyle and culture

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is the right move for them.

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I think living in Somerset is just going to be fantastic for us.

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We'll be able to go running, cycling, walk the dog...

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And just...I think we'll be in our, in our element.

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This isn't just a move for the next couple of years.

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This is going to be a long-term move.

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We want to find a property that suits our lifestyle now

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and in the future.

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Patrick and Lindsay both need to commute to Bristol city centre

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on a daily basis. As they often have to travel internationally,

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they also want to be within easy reach of the airport.

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So we're focusing our search in the rural areas and villages

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within an hour of Bristol.

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I'm catching up with our frequent flyers

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to find out their property particulars.

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Welcome to beautiful Somerset,

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-and I have to say welcome back to the UK.

-BOTH: Thank you.

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-A long time in Belgium, hey?

-BOTH: Yeah.

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It's nice to be back in the UK.

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So, why now? What's the allure of coming back home,

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and what are you looking for?

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Well, we're looking for a change of lifestyle.

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We're looking for openness, rolling hills,

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the rolling countryside.

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-And you're both quite active, aren't you?

-Yeah.

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-Yeah, we are.

-Scarily so!

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-You're a keen cyclist.

-I'm a keen cyclist.

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Several years in Belgium, got passionate about cycling.

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-How passionate?

-Very passionate. How many bikes are we talking?

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-There's probably about six bikes in the garage right now.

-Oh!

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So the ideal property then for you?

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Just remind me of the key features.

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We want something that's got nice country style,

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-a bit of character.

-Yeah.

-But on the inside,

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we're really looking for something that's got a lot of light.

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-We'd like to live in an open-plan style house.

-That's right.

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I think we'd ideally like a three-bedroom property

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so we could accommodate family and friends

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when they come to stay with us. Garden is a must.

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Somewhere to store the bikes

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and all of the...all of the outdoor pursuit equipment.

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How far are you willing to go for this ideal property?

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-I think...

-Well...

-..sort of, we're open to compromise,

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but I don't think we want to drive more than an hour

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-from work in a morning.

-Yeah.

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I think the hour would be the absolutely maximum we could go.

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Now, just remind me of your budget.

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Our budget is £400,000.

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OK. Now, that's not bad for this area.

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But it's a punchy market, and you're looking to be close to Bristol,

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but you still want sort of bucolic surroundings, so...

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-That's where we're going to have to comprise.

-Yeah.

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We know we set you up for a challenge.

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-So...we're ready and waiting to see what you've got to show us.

-Good.

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Well, you set a challenge for us, we'll be challenging you too.

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-There may be a compromise here or there.

-Of course.

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-Can't wait.

-Let's go.

-Come have a look.

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With their budget of £400,000,

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Lindsay and Patrick are looking for a traditional English property

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with real country character.

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They'd like three bedrooms,

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a good sized garden to accommodate the dog

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and a location no more than an hour's commute

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from their work in Bristol.

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With three fantastic properties to show them,

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I'm confident we can find them something to get excited about.

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I'll be asking them to guess the price of each property

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at the end of the house tour.

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And our final stop will be to a mystery property

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which I think has the power to really test their priorities.

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What's the number one priority for you, Lindsay?

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I'm wanting to see a property

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that has some views of the countryside maybe.

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I don't think there's any point in moving to the countryside

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-if you can't see it around you.

-Ooh.

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I think everything else I can work around

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and I can compromise on.

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Our search starts on the southern edge of the Mendip Hills in Wookey,

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two miles from Wells.

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The village itself is small

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but has a primary school and three pubs to choose from.

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Its Grade-II listed parish church dates to the 12th century,

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and its period properties are a mix of stone terraced cottages

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and farm houses.

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With a public footpath from the village directly to the Mendips,

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hikers and walkers like Lindsay and Patrick

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have all the benefits of village life,

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with the green rolling hills right on their doorstep.

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Property number one is a character cottage

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in the heart of the village.

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The start of the search!

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And here we are at property number one.

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-Wow.

-Oh, it's lovely!

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It's so quaint. It's great.

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The style of the property

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is exactly what I had in mind from the outside.

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It's very, very pretty.

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And the drive and the lane is amazing,

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it's just so peaceful.

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Now we are about 45 minutes drive from work for you in Bristol.

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-Yeah.

-So, not too bad?

-That's fine.

-Not too bad.

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I'm comfortable with this so far.

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-But most important is the property itself, isn't it?

-It is.

-Yeah.

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-Let's have a look.

-Can't wait.

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This three-bedroom detached cottage is built of locally quarried stone.

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On the inside, it's been sympathetically extended,

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and modernised, retaining its character.

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Step inside.

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-Ooh.

-Wow.

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Wow.

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-Now, this is a bit of a surprise, isn't it?

-It is.

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Because it's an entrance way but, actually, it's a room in itself.

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-Used at the moment as an office, but a bit of flexible space.

-Yeah.

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Oh, it's lovely. I wasn't expecting this at all.

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-What I really want to show you is through here.

-OK. OK.

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-So it's an open-plan feel...

-Wow.

-..into the living room.

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This is very, very nice.

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-The wood burner is really nice as well, I like that touch.

-Yeah.

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Lots of natural materials. The floor is limestone.

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-And I like it for you guys...

-Yeah.

-..because it's dog friendly.

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It's been very well done. You've seen that they've taken the time

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and put a lot of effort into getting it right.

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An important room though, really, is the kitchen.

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You like entertaining, you're going to have friends over?

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-Yeah.

-Yeah.

-Let's go have a look.

-BOTH: OK.

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I couldn't have hoped for a better reaction to this property,

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and I'm glad they appreciate the mix of traditional features

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with the more modern layout I know they wanted.

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-Oh!

-Wow!

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THEY LAUGH

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That is great.

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-A big thumbs up from me.

-Woo-hoo!

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From me as well. The cooker is just absolutely...

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-Your eyes went straight there, didn't they?

-Yeah, top notch.

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A range is what you were looking for.

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-So, in the village, there's no gas.

-BOTH: OK.

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So this house is heated by that range.

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-Oh!

-Really?

-Yeah. And then through that door,

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you've actually got a utility area and downstairs cloakroom as well.

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That leads to the outside, So it could be sort of boot room,

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it's great for Snoopy

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-to come in and out of the outdoors.

-That's perfect.

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-Leads through to a sidewalk way for...

-Epic.

-..the bikes.

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-So...

-That's great.

-Is there much you would change in this room?

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Not really I have to say, no.

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-Very, very little. Very promising.

-Very.

-Let's carry that on

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-as we go upstairs and check out the bedrooms.

-Great.

-OK.

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The upstairs is part-furnished,

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but has three good sized bedrooms

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including a master with en-suite,

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and a double currently laid out as a twin,

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served by a stunning modern family bathroom.

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-Oh.

-Wow.

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More wows! You guys...are just...

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-brilliant!

-THEY LAUGH

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It's very nice.

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Love the floor.

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All the wooden flooring throughout.

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And a great view out over the garden.

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And a huge amount of light coming through those windows,

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that's really good.

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I like the fact that you have the lovely ledge there.

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You could sit there on a morning with a cup of coffee

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and look out over the garden.

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-To me, this is the master bedroom...

-Yes.

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..because of the view, but it doesn't have the en-suite,

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whereas next door does. I don't know how you feel,

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would you keep this as the master or want the en-suite?

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I'm not sure really.

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I think I would keep this as the master suite.

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You've done extremely well, you've exceeded my expectations.

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OK, scale of one to ten, how excited are you?

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-Um...

-Oh, at least a nine and a half.

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I'd say, yeah, I'd say a nine.

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OK, so what's going to push this up to a ten?

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-Let's see the garden.

-Yeah.

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I know how important outside space is to these two,

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and I don't think they'll be disappointed.

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The enclosed rear garden is south-facing,

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and has a terrace for entertaining, as well as circular lawned area.

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Oh...flowers.

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-Butterflies, birds singing...

-THEY LAUGH

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-..and a pretty substantial property.

-Very substantial.

-Yes.

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We were surprised about how much space there is inside,

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it's really...a lot of room.

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And the garden's lovely.

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Very well maintained. We have the split between the terrace there

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and the lawned area here, and it...works very well.

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And then it leads down.

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You've got the shed there, space for the bikes.

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-Yes.

-All six of them.

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Also, space for a car just at the side of the house.

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But how much do you think it's on the market for?

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Definitely towards the top end of the budget, I would say.

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I'm going to go for 400,000.

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I agree top end of the budget.

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I'd go with er...395.

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OK... And would you pay that for it?

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-Yes, I think so.

-I think so.

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That's music to my ears.

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This property is on the market at just £50 short of 400,000.

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-So 399,950.

-OK.

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Right, so now you have the reality of how much this house will cost,

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go back in, wander round and we will have a chat later on.

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-OK.

-That's good.

-Thanks.

0:14:570:14:58

Coming in just under budget,

0:15:000:15:02

this traditional stone cottage

0:15:020:15:03

would give our buyers the three

0:15:030:15:05

bedrooms they need and offers them

0:15:050:15:07

the charm of a character cottage

0:15:070:15:08

with a contemporary

0:15:080:15:09

and spacious layout downstairs.

0:15:090:15:12

There's an enclosed garden

0:15:120:15:13

perfect for their dog,

0:15:130:15:14

and although it doesn't have views

0:15:140:15:16

of the rolling hills,

0:15:160:15:17

it is in a great village location,

0:15:170:15:19

moments from the countryside

0:15:190:15:21

and 45 minutes from their jobs in Bristol.

0:15:210:15:23

-This is a nice space, isn't it?

-It is. It's really light and bright.

0:15:250:15:28

I think it'd make an excellent guest room.

0:15:280:15:30

Yeah, and we'd certainly get the double bed in here.

0:15:300:15:33

And nice views out over the garden.

0:15:330:15:35

I'm really impressed so far. I think the...the space,

0:15:350:15:39

the appointments, the quality of the build is really impressive.

0:15:390:15:43

This kitchen, with all the space we have here and the combination

0:15:430:15:47

of the dining room, we could really do some nice entertaining.

0:15:470:15:50

I can see ourselves living here and settling here for the long term.

0:15:500:15:54

Also, I think it'd be a great property to bring up a family in.

0:15:540:15:57

-Ooh, you've had a good look around now, haven't you?

-Yeah.

0:15:590:16:01

-Yes.

-Yeah, you like this one.

0:16:010:16:04

A great start, but we're not done yet.

0:16:040:16:06

There are more properties to see, so let's get going.

0:16:060:16:08

The hills of Somerset are a far cry from the Belgian plains that

0:16:190:16:22

Lindsay and Patrick have left behind.

0:16:220:16:25

With the potential of all this rolling landscape soon to be

0:16:250:16:28

at their fingertips, we sent our energetic couple to the

0:16:280:16:31

Polden Hills to meet Theresa Smith, organiser of a local running club,

0:16:310:16:35

the Shapwick Runners, to show them some of the outdoor delights

0:16:350:16:39

they'll be able to explore when they finally make their escape.

0:16:390:16:42

We moved here about eight years ago now.

0:16:420:16:45

We were living in Bristol and working in the city

0:16:450:16:47

and decided to bring our children up in the country.

0:16:470:16:49

I'm a keen runner, my husband's a keen runner,

0:16:490:16:51

he's also a keen cyclist, so it's great for both of us.

0:16:510:16:54

-Oh, yeah.

-Like Patrick.

-Love my cycling,

0:16:540:16:55

So, yeah, you know, you'll find it fantastic in this area for that.

0:16:550:16:59

So, the route I'm going to take you on today is one of my favourite

0:16:590:17:01

training runs, and I'm going to show you some of the best parts.

0:17:010:17:04

-Great.

-Let's go.

-Let's go, yeah.

-Let's do it.

0:17:040:17:07

Theresa set up the Shapwick Runners seven years ago and currently

0:17:070:17:11

has around 20 local members.

0:17:110:17:13

With its variety of hills, Levels, and coastline, Somerset has

0:17:130:17:17

something to suit many adventurous appetites,

0:17:170:17:20

and you don't have to travel far

0:17:200:17:22

to catch sight of some of the regions iconic landmarks either.

0:17:220:17:26

Wow.

0:17:260:17:27

-Wow, that's amazing.

-Beautiful scenery.

0:17:270:17:30

Well, it is a really lovely spot.

0:17:300:17:32

You've got the Mendips over there.

0:17:320:17:33

And you can see as far out as the sea, out at Burnham-on-Sea,

0:17:330:17:36

and over across to Wales.

0:17:360:17:38

And then you've got Cheddar Gorge just there.

0:17:380:17:40

-Yeah.

-Yeah.

-Then of course there's Glastonbury Tor,

0:17:400:17:42

-which you'll probably recognise.

-Wow, certainly.

-Yes.

0:17:420:17:45

Well, that's obviously our most famous local icon.

0:17:450:17:47

And it was also, at one stage, an island thousands of years ago...

0:17:470:17:50

-Really?

-..when the whole of Somerset was under water.

0:17:500:17:53

Yeah. That's five or six miles away from here.

0:17:530:17:55

Probably to run to the top of the tour it's a bit further,

0:17:550:17:57

-about an hour to run to the top.

-I should try that one day.

-Yeah.

0:17:570:18:01

Rising from the flat landscape of the Levels at a height of 158m,

0:18:020:18:07

the Glastonbury Tor is one of the most spiritual sites in the country.

0:18:070:18:11

Legend has it that King Arthur and his knights came to the tor

0:18:110:18:14

on his quest to find the Holy Grail.

0:18:140:18:17

The tower we see today is all that remains of a 15th century church.

0:18:170:18:22

But as well as being steeped in history, the Levels are also

0:18:220:18:25

rich in biodiversity.

0:18:250:18:27

Oh, it's beautiful here.

0:18:280:18:29

This area is the middle of Shapwick Heath Nature Reserve,

0:18:290:18:31

so we're in the middle of the Somerset Levels now

0:18:310:18:34

-having dropped down off the Polden Ridge.

-OK.

0:18:340:18:36

-This area is famous for starlings.

-Oh.

0:18:360:18:38

Well, generally bird watching.

0:18:380:18:40

I came down just on a run and there were crowds of people

0:18:400:18:43

with their binoculars, things like that, then you looked up in the sky

0:18:430:18:46

and all these black swarms of interesting formations of starlings.

0:18:460:18:50

They're here from November till about February.

0:18:500:18:53

-OK. Each year?

-Each year, yes.

0:18:530:18:55

Oh, right, we'll have to come and see that.

0:18:550:18:56

Then just over there they discovered a Neolithic road,

0:18:560:18:59

called the Sweet Track.

0:18:590:19:01

-OK.

-Wow.

-Which was actually... It dates back to 3800 BC, more or less.

0:19:010:19:05

-Wow.

-Yeah. So, you know, that's a bit of ancient history.

0:19:050:19:09

Until around 4500 BC this area was all sea.

0:19:090:19:13

As the water level dropped, reeds and sedge began to grow and then

0:19:130:19:17

decomposed over time to form peat.

0:19:170:19:20

When machines were sent in to remove the peat in the 1960s

0:19:200:19:24

so it could be used in horticulture, workers discovered the perfectly

0:19:240:19:28

preserved timber track that would have enabled Neolithic man to

0:19:280:19:31

cross the marshy landscape between Meare Island and the Polden Hills.

0:19:310:19:36

The Sweet Track is the oldest man-made route way in Britain.

0:19:360:19:40

Oh, it's beautiful here, Theresa.

0:19:400:19:42

I'm really jealous that this is on your doorstep.

0:19:420:19:44

We've got a bit of a run uphill now, and I know it's

0:19:440:19:46

really hot. We've got to go back up to the Polden Ridge.

0:19:460:19:48

-Good training for me.

-Definitely. Let's go this way.

0:19:480:19:51

-Keeps me fit and strong.

-Come on, let's go.

0:19:510:19:53

With so much to explore, it seems Somerset could be a good

0:19:550:19:58

place for Lindsay and Patrick to pursue their passion for adventure.

0:19:580:20:01

One day soon, they too could have all of this on their doorstep.

0:20:010:20:05

For our second property, we're travelling closer to Bristol,

0:20:130:20:17

into popular commuter territory. Just over ten miles south

0:20:170:20:20

of the city and eight miles west of Bath is the village of Marksbury.

0:20:200:20:25

A popular destination for those keen on outdoor interests,

0:20:250:20:28

the rural village is surrounded by breathtaking countryside.

0:20:280:20:32

There's a primary school rated outstanding

0:20:320:20:34

and a shop in the village,

0:20:340:20:35

as well an active community holding yearly fetes

0:20:350:20:38

and activities run through the local village hall.

0:20:380:20:41

More extensive amenities can be found four and a half miles away

0:20:410:20:44

in Keynsham.

0:20:440:20:46

Our next property started out as a farmer's cottage for the local farm

0:20:460:20:49

and backs onto open fields.

0:20:490:20:51

-Property number two.

-Wow.

0:20:540:20:57

-Another village. A lovely village.

-And a gorgeous property.

0:20:570:20:59

Very nice. It looks very nice from the outside.

0:20:590:21:02

Lovely. Very promising.

0:21:020:21:04

Now, another plus with this property is that it's that much closer

0:21:040:21:07

-to your workplace, 20 minutes away from Bristol for you.

-That's great.

0:21:070:21:11

It's a semidetached. How do you feel about that?

0:21:110:21:14

That doesn't bother me. It looks very nice from the outside.

0:21:140:21:16

I like... Again, it's another stone property,

0:21:160:21:19

so it has that traditional character.

0:21:190:21:21

I like very much that it's set back from the road a little bit,

0:21:210:21:23

there's a bit of a front garden which gives you extra space,

0:21:230:21:26

-which I think is really nice.

-There has been an extension

0:21:260:21:29

as you can probably tell, just on the side.

0:21:290:21:31

-So, lots to explore. Let's go in.

-All right.

-OK.

0:21:310:21:34

This cottage dates back to 1800.

0:21:350:21:38

The two-storey side extension was built in 2010

0:21:380:21:41

by the current owners, doubling the size of the downstairs living

0:21:410:21:44

space, which I hope will really appeal to Lindsay and Patrick.

0:21:440:21:48

In you come.

0:21:480:21:49

-Oh.

-Wow.

-Oh, lovely.

0:21:490:21:51

Ah, a look of surprise.

0:21:510:21:53

It's similar to the first property, isn't it?

0:21:530:21:56

You sort of walk straight into a room,

0:21:560:21:58

and this is the living room.

0:21:580:21:59

It's quite a nice sized room. Not a bad start.

0:21:590:22:02

-Not a bad start.

-Not a bad start at all.

-Yeah. Smiles. Great.

0:22:020:22:04

-But there's a lot more to this house, come on.

-OK.

0:22:040:22:06

Behind the front living room is an area used as an office space

0:22:080:22:11

which leads into the new part of the property.

0:22:110:22:14

Down through here and into open-plan luxury.

0:22:140:22:17

Yes, another range, I'm happy about that.

0:22:170:22:20

-And look that way.

-BOTH:

-Oh!

0:22:200:22:23

-There we go, there's your view.

-Oh.

0:22:230:22:25

And I like this arrangement with the kitchen, a sort of family area

0:22:250:22:29

which is separate to the main living room.

0:22:290:22:31

How are you feeling about...?

0:22:310:22:32

I like it. It's got a modern feel but also a country kitchen feel

0:22:320:22:36

with the green cupboards and the big range. I like it.

0:22:360:22:39

And it wraps all the way round, so living space here

0:22:390:22:42

but dining area just around the corner. Let's take a look.

0:22:420:22:45

-This is nice.

-Very nice.

0:22:460:22:48

They've got the French doors looking out onto that lovely terrace,

0:22:480:22:51

and the view.

0:22:510:22:52

The open-plan feeling, is this what you were looking for?

0:22:520:22:55

-Yeah.

-Yes.

-Definitely, in terms of the layout,

0:22:550:22:57

that's what we're looking for.

0:22:570:22:59

And, for me, the expanse out there and that view

0:22:590:23:02

makes it feel even bigger.

0:23:020:23:03

-That's right.

-It does.

0:23:030:23:04

-Let's go check upstairs and see the bedrooms.

-OK.

-OK.

0:23:040:23:07

Also downstairs is a cloakroom and a utility room.

0:23:100:23:14

As we head upstairs, there's a large double bedroom

0:23:140:23:17

that would make a great guest room,

0:23:170:23:19

a single, useful should the family expand in the future,

0:23:190:23:23

and a family bathroom.

0:23:230:23:24

-Step through to the master bedroom.

-Oh, yeah.

-Wow, that's a nice room.

0:23:270:23:31

Yeah. And with the view.

0:23:310:23:33

I want to wake up to that in the morning.

0:23:350:23:37

Now, it's a descent sized room. It hasn't got an en-suite

0:23:370:23:40

but you do have this space here where they have got a little sink.

0:23:400:23:42

-OK.

-And you probably notice there isn't a wardrobe,

0:23:420:23:45

so, I mean, for me, I might turn that space

0:23:450:23:48

into more of a wardrobe space.

0:23:480:23:50

Yeah. I just worry that we might not get all of our furniture in here.

0:23:500:23:54

No. I think it'd be a tight fit for sure.

0:23:540:23:57

OK, I asked you before, I'm going to ask you again,

0:23:570:23:59

marks out of ten?

0:23:590:24:01

Hmm. I'm saying around eight and a half this time.

0:24:010:24:06

Yeah. I'm going down to an eight, I would say.

0:24:060:24:08

Well, let me take you outside, see if the view

0:24:080:24:11

and the wonderful tiered garden that you're going to see down there

0:24:110:24:14

-swings it a little bit higher up for you.

-Sounds good.

-OK.

0:24:140:24:17

The outside space has also benefited from the recent extension,

0:24:190:24:23

with twin French doors opening onto a decked terrace

0:24:230:24:26

and two tiered levels below,

0:24:260:24:28

making the most of those spectacular rural views.

0:24:280:24:31

This is what the countryside is all about.

0:24:310:24:34

-Yeah.

-Very pretty indeed.

0:24:340:24:36

And what the current owners have done is really make

0:24:360:24:38

the most of this garden area. So, as you can see, it was on a slope

0:24:380:24:41

and they have tiered it off like this.

0:24:410:24:43

-Yeah.

-And protected it with the fencing,

0:24:430:24:45

so I think it would work well for Snoopy.

0:24:450:24:47

Yeah, that's a really good idea.

0:24:470:24:49

I like the way they've done that. Yeah.

0:24:490:24:51

How much do you think it's on the market for?

0:24:510:24:53

I would say...375.

0:24:530:24:55

Yeah, I'd say it's going to come in under house number one,

0:24:550:24:58

so I'm thinking in the region of 360, 365.

0:24:580:25:03

Interesting. Well, I think you're going to have a bit of a surprise.

0:25:030:25:06

-OK.

-This property is on the market for £425,000.

0:25:060:25:10

-Oh, really?

-Wow. OK.

-Yes, really.

0:25:100:25:14

This is that much closer to Bristol and Bath.

0:25:140:25:16

Now, I know it is above your budget but the owners are open to offers.

0:25:160:25:20

You are in a very strong position. And bearing that in mind

0:25:200:25:23

and the fact that you've halved your commute and get the views,

0:25:230:25:26

I definitely think you should have another wander round.

0:25:260:25:28

-OK.

-All right.

-Will do.

0:25:280:25:30

This property does come in £25,000 over their budget but I felt

0:25:310:25:35

I had to show it to our buyers as it delivers so much on their wish list.

0:25:350:25:40

It offers the character property they wanted with three bedrooms,

0:25:400:25:43

open-plan living downstairs and a great garden space for entertaining.

0:25:430:25:48

A major advantage for this cottage is its proximity to Bristol.

0:25:480:25:52

Patrick and Lindsay would have just a 20-minute commute.

0:25:520:25:56

I really like the way the terrace is set out.

0:25:560:25:58

I like this little table, you could sit here and have a barbecue.

0:25:580:26:02

Be a nice barbecue, wouldn't it, looking over the fields?

0:26:020:26:05

It would be looking over the view.

0:26:050:26:06

I do very much like this property,

0:26:060:26:07

in particular those views out there, they're spectacular.

0:26:070:26:11

I like the family room and the dining area.

0:26:110:26:13

It'd very comfortable and very easy to live here in the downstairs.

0:26:130:26:17

But I do have a bit of a concern about the master bedroom.

0:26:170:26:21

It's still in the running

0:26:210:26:22

but definitely coming behind house number one, I think.

0:26:220:26:26

The small upstairs bedroom and the price being a little bit

0:26:260:26:31

out of our budget range, sort of push it further down the list.

0:26:310:26:35

-There you are.

-Hi.

-Had another good look?

0:26:350:26:37

-Yes.

-It's been a long day, hasn't it?

0:26:370:26:39

It has, yeah, but you've shown us two beautiful properties today.

0:26:390:26:42

Yeah. And how are you feeling?

0:26:420:26:44

-Tired but inspired.

-Good!

0:26:440:26:46

I like the last bit, inspired.

0:26:460:26:48

Good, keep that feeling going, and you can mull over it tonight.

0:26:480:26:51

-Yeah.

-Perfect.

0:26:510:26:52

It's the second day of our Somerset search with house hunters

0:27:010:27:04

Patrick and Lindsay.

0:27:040:27:05

Recently returned from Brussels, Belgium, and ready to put down roots

0:27:050:27:09

in the UK, they're hoping their budget of £400,000

0:27:090:27:12

will buy them a character property with long-term potential.

0:27:120:27:16

But after getting off to a strong start, will the quirks

0:27:160:27:19

of my mystery house see my buyers running for the hills?

0:27:190:27:23

-Do you think you could adapt to this?

-It's not worrying me.

0:27:230:27:26

No. On the contrary, you've got lovely big, beaming smiles.

0:27:260:27:30

And I find out how the Victorians turned this pile of putty

0:27:300:27:34

into a work of art.

0:27:340:27:35

Patrick and Lindsay are looking to buy their very first home together

0:27:390:27:42

and inevitably that involves a degree of compromise.

0:27:420:27:45

But so far I'm really encouraged by their willingness to re-evaluate

0:27:450:27:48

their priorities and weigh up what's most important to them.

0:27:480:27:52

They're ready to give up city living, but with the mystery house,

0:27:520:27:55

I'd like to see how far they're willing to go to embrace rural life.

0:27:550:27:59

If they choose this house, it's got a more traditional layout

0:27:590:28:02

and there'll be a longer commute to work, but if they can see past

0:28:020:28:05

all of that, I think they'll get everything they're looking for

0:28:050:28:08

and a whole lot more.

0:28:080:28:09

For our mystery house, we're heading further a field,

0:28:130:28:15

45 minutes south of our last property

0:28:150:28:18

to the village of North Brewham, two miles from the town of Bruton.

0:28:180:28:22

The village itself is small

0:28:220:28:24

but has a local pub and is set in beautiful

0:28:240:28:26

rolling countryside, making it an ideal spot for walkers and cyclists.

0:28:260:28:31

The nearby ancient town of Bruton is small but has a thriving

0:28:310:28:34

local art scene as well as highly regarded schools.

0:28:340:28:38

There's also a museum where visitors will learn that the town was

0:28:380:28:41

once home to author John Steinbeck,

0:28:410:28:44

who stayed for nine months in 1959 whilst writing one of his novels.

0:28:440:28:48

Five minutes in the car takes us back to North Brewham.

0:28:480:28:51

Right, mystery house time.

0:28:510:28:53

-You want to escape to the country.

-We do.

0:28:530:28:56

So we've brought you somewhere very rural,

0:28:560:28:58

but look what could be yours.

0:28:580:29:00

-Amazing.

-That is gorgeous.

0:29:000:29:03

Grade-II listed, 350 years old.

0:29:030:29:05

-Oh!

-Wow. THEY LAUGH

0:29:050:29:08

And if you just look behind you...

0:29:080:29:10

-Yeah.

-Yeah. Views.

-Lovely.

0:29:100:29:13

We are also an hour away from Bristol.

0:29:130:29:15

-OK.

-So it's the other thing with this mystery. So, longer commute.

0:29:150:29:18

Right. Maybe the drive to Bristol is a bit long

0:29:180:29:21

but I think depending what's on the inside of the house

0:29:210:29:24

and how our home life would be,

0:29:240:29:25

it might be might be worth making that compromise.

0:29:250:29:27

-Oh, I love that word. Let's go and have a look.

-All right.

0:29:270:29:31

I'm really relieved the longer commute time hasn't put them off

0:29:310:29:35

this beautiful old farmhouse.

0:29:350:29:37

If they continue to stay open minded, I think this house

0:29:370:29:40

could provide the long-term potential they're after.

0:29:400:29:43

The largest property we've seen so far, one end has been adapted

0:29:430:29:46

to created what is currently a separate cottage.

0:29:460:29:49

But if Patrick and Lindsay prefer, it could easily be converted back

0:29:490:29:53

as part of the main house

0:29:530:29:54

with the potential for either a fourth bedroom or extra

0:29:540:29:57

living space.

0:29:570:29:58

-Now, through here and you walk straight into...

-Oh.

0:29:580:30:03

..what they call the snug!

0:30:030:30:04

-It's lovely.

-That's great.

-Oh, it's a lovely size, yeah.

0:30:040:30:07

-I really like it.

-I love that big fireplace and the...

0:30:070:30:10

-That's gorgeous.

-..wooden roof beams.

0:30:100:30:12

This isn't even the proper living room. Come this way.

0:30:120:30:14

-Oh, that's...gorgeous, yeah.

-That bay window is amazing.

0:30:170:30:20

Another really good size living room.

0:30:200:30:22

-It's more traditional as well, though, isn't it?

-Yes.

0:30:220:30:25

But it's got... I think it's got quite an open feel still.

0:30:250:30:27

It does, there's a lot of light coming in

0:30:270:30:29

and the big windows really help it to feel very open.

0:30:290:30:32

-Yeah.

-On the other side of the house you've got pretty much

0:30:320:30:35

-a self-contained separate cottage. It's got its own kitchen.

-Really?

0:30:350:30:39

Shower room, a little living room and a bedroom,

0:30:390:30:42

which we thought, for you guys,

0:30:420:30:44

would be perfect for when you have visitors over,

0:30:440:30:46

-particularly your international guests.

-That sounds great.

0:30:460:30:49

-That's ideal for us.

-Shall we look at that kitchen?

0:30:490:30:51

-I know you're itching to.

-Let's.

-It's this way.

0:30:510:30:53

Unlike the previous two properties, this place hasn't been opened up

0:30:540:30:58

or modernised, but all it needs is a little vision.

0:30:580:31:01

-Oh, wow!

-That's amazing.

0:31:010:31:04

Yeah, it has that very kind of rustic country cottage feel.

0:31:040:31:08

-Probably needs a little bit of work but...

-Yes.

0:31:080:31:11

-..that's fine.

-Oh, that's fine?

-Yeah.

-Oh, great.

0:31:110:31:14

I'm glad. I think you're absolutely right,

0:31:140:31:16

with this property you've more of an opportunity

0:31:160:31:18

to kind of put your own stamp on it and change things about.

0:31:180:31:21

There is a little bit of touch up work to do

0:31:210:31:23

but it does have a lot of character, that farmhouse charm.

0:31:230:31:25

-I like it a lot.

-Yeah.

-Let's have a look out here

0:31:250:31:27

-and then we can have a proper talk about what you might change.

-Great.

0:31:270:31:31

At the far end of the house, beyond the kitchen, there's a bright

0:31:310:31:35

conservatory, currently used as a dining room.

0:31:350:31:38

So, you can imagine your dinner parties here...

0:31:380:31:41

Yeah, that's a...that's a cracking view. It really is.

0:31:410:31:43

They're stunning views, yes.

0:31:430:31:45

I know it's not the open-plan kitchen-diner that we'd

0:31:450:31:48

anticipated, but it doesn't feel as though you're cut off.

0:31:480:31:52

-Do you think you could adapt to this?

-I think so.

0:31:520:31:55

-Yeah, I think so.

-It could work, yeah.

-It's not worrying me.

0:31:550:31:58

No. On the contrary, you've got lovely, big beaming smiles.

0:31:580:32:01

So, I'm keen to take you upstairs to show you the bedrooms

0:32:010:32:04

and the layout there.

0:32:040:32:05

-OK.

-Great.

-After you.

0:32:050:32:06

Upstairs there are three bedrooms,

0:32:100:32:12

one currently used as part of the separate cottage.

0:32:120:32:14

And there are a couple of options for the master bedroom.

0:32:140:32:17

Decent sized double.

0:32:190:32:21

Yeah. No, it is a good size.

0:32:210:32:22

-OK.

-Yeah.

-Yeah.

0:32:220:32:24

Yeah, the built-in cupboards might deal with our clothes storage issues.

0:32:240:32:27

I was waiting for you to say about the storage, yeah.

0:32:270:32:30

This is currently used as the master but there are two other bedrooms.

0:32:300:32:33

At the other side there's another room

0:32:330:32:35

-which, actually, is a bigger space.

-OK.

-OK.

0:32:350:32:37

-I think you might want to use that as your master bedroom.

-OK.

-Really?

0:32:370:32:40

Now, the bathroom here, the family bathroom, is downstairs,

0:32:400:32:43

so I think if you're also looking for more projects,

0:32:430:32:46

-you could think about putting some bathrooms upstairs.

-Yeah.

-OK.

0:32:460:32:49

I'm surprised. I thought it would be much smaller up here.

0:32:490:32:52

-OK. So, pleasantly surprised?

-Yeah, yeah.

0:32:520:32:54

It was definitely worth the risk bringing Lindsay and Patrick

0:32:560:32:58

a little further from Bristol than they initially wanted.

0:32:580:33:02

If the price is right, I think this place could be a real contender.

0:33:020:33:06

We've finished the magical mystery tour of our mystery house.

0:33:060:33:09

-Yes.

-It's lovely and higgledy-piggledy, isn't it?

0:33:090:33:12

-Yeah.

-It is, yeah.

-Great.

-Gorgeous.

0:33:120:33:14

Lots of character, lots of charm.

0:33:140:33:16

And then out here a charming garden as well.

0:33:160:33:18

Lovely. Yeah, really nice sized garden.

0:33:180:33:21

Out there you've got two car ports.

0:33:210:33:23

-You've got a lovely big shed for all the bikes.

-Brilliant.

0:33:230:33:26

So, that brings us to the big question.

0:33:260:33:28

How much do you think you have to pay to get all of this?

0:33:280:33:31

I think it's probably...it's going to be above our budget.

0:33:310:33:34

I'm going to take a punt on 450.

0:33:340:33:36

I'm going to go in with 430.

0:33:370:33:41

This property is on the market at £400,000.

0:33:410:33:45

-BOTH: Really?

-Smack on your budget.

0:33:450:33:47

-Oh. Wow.

-Wow.

0:33:470:33:48

I am surprised. Oh, that's good news.

0:33:480:33:51

It's reassuring to know that a property of this character

0:33:510:33:54

and this size is within budget.

0:33:540:33:56

Look what you can find if you just go a bit further out.

0:33:560:33:58

-BOTH: Yeah.

-Yeah, and you've shown us that.

0:33:580:34:01

There's so much to explore in there.

0:34:010:34:03

-Go on. Off you go.

-All right.

0:34:030:34:05

Coming in bang on budget, this house scores high on

0:34:090:34:11

Patrick and Lindsay's wish list.

0:34:110:34:13

It's got the character charm

0:34:130:34:15

and three bedrooms they're after.

0:34:150:34:17

And despite not being open-plan,

0:34:170:34:18

it has plenty of light, bright

0:34:180:34:20

living space plus the potential to

0:34:200:34:22

extend or reconfigure in the future.

0:34:220:34:25

The separate cottage would come in

0:34:250:34:26

handy when guests come to stay.

0:34:260:34:28

The only compromise is the longer commute to Bristol.

0:34:280:34:31

But if they can deal with

0:34:310:34:32

the distance, then this could

0:34:320:34:34

make a dream property.

0:34:340:34:36

This is a nice, big room.

0:34:360:34:37

Potential to make this into a master bedroom I think.

0:34:370:34:40

Yeah, and I like the split level.

0:34:400:34:42

And there's plenty of space if we wanted to take

0:34:420:34:44

a corner of the room and turn it into an en-suite, we could do so.

0:34:440:34:46

Yeah, easily.

0:34:460:34:47

The mystery house has been just fantastic.

0:34:470:34:50

It's really blown me away. There are so many different rooms

0:34:500:34:54

and I think it's got so much potential.

0:34:540:34:56

The layout maybe not quite what we were looking for

0:34:560:34:59

in terms of an open-plan modern space

0:34:590:35:02

but I think we're able to make the compromise with that

0:35:020:35:04

and work around that,

0:35:040:35:06

so we're really, really interested and excited about this house.

0:35:060:35:09

It's really made me think about, where do we want to be?

0:35:090:35:12

Is location everything?

0:35:120:35:14

But it's such a beautiful property.

0:35:140:35:16

I think it's a front runner for us now.

0:35:160:35:19

It's been a busy two days, hasn't it?

0:35:190:35:21

-It has been.

-Yeah.

-You've shown us quite a lot.

0:35:210:35:23

A big variety.

0:35:230:35:25

So, thinking caps on because it'll be decision time soon.

0:35:250:35:28

The Somerset countryside is home to numerous historic buildings

0:35:370:35:40

and country houses, such as the magnificent 13th century

0:35:400:35:44

Maunsel House, which is said to be where Geoffrey Chaucer

0:35:440:35:47

wrote his Canterbury Tales, basing them on local characters.

0:35:470:35:51

The art collection here at Maunsel has built up over centuries

0:35:510:35:55

and includes valuable works by artists such as Rembrandt,

0:35:550:35:58

Van Dyck and Constable.

0:35:580:36:00

Specialist restorers Everett Fine Art have been caring for

0:36:000:36:03

paintings and frames for Maunsel and other houses in the area

0:36:030:36:06

for over 50 years.

0:36:060:36:09

Their team of highly-skilled restorers and conservators

0:36:090:36:12

work out of a studio near Taunton, where I've come to meet

0:36:120:36:15

second-generation owner, Tim Everett,

0:36:150:36:17

to be shown some of their complex work.

0:36:170:36:20

Tell me a bit more about exactly what you do here.

0:36:200:36:22

I see frames and some paintings.

0:36:220:36:24

Well, it's really two departments.

0:36:240:36:26

We do frame restoration and making,

0:36:260:36:28

and then I personally do the conservation of oil paintings.

0:36:280:36:33

That involves repairing canvases that are ripped or torn or flaking,

0:36:330:36:37

and cleaning them as well.

0:36:370:36:39

So, every 100, 150 years a painting has to go through some

0:36:390:36:43

sort of conservation, so that is where we come in.

0:36:430:36:46

We've got a very interesting project at the moment

0:36:460:36:48

which is this large old master behind you,

0:36:480:36:50

and it had been restored very heavily in the past.

0:36:500:36:54

In fact, came out of a convent in Belgium, originally.

0:36:540:36:57

So, once we cleaned it, we actually revealed the sky,

0:36:570:37:01

many of the figures, and indeed a lot of the clothing

0:37:010:37:04

on the figures had been Victorian overpaint.

0:37:040:37:07

So, the modesty of the Victorians...

0:37:070:37:09

So, originally this painting would have been of naked ladies?

0:37:090:37:12

Indeed. And we are returning it that way now.

0:37:120:37:15

-I love it. And the Victorians kept the painting...

-Oh, yes.

0:37:150:37:18

-..but would just paint some clothes on.

-Oh, many a time.

0:37:180:37:20

Many a time we get that.

0:37:200:37:21

We get a modesty piece of clothing here and there.

0:37:210:37:24

Tim and his highly experienced team of eight restore and conserve

0:37:250:37:29

18th-century paintings and watercolours for museums,

0:37:290:37:32

stately homes and schools,

0:37:320:37:34

as well as a large number of private clients seeking to renovate

0:37:340:37:37

treasured family portraits.

0:37:370:37:39

But cleaning and restoring the paintings themselves

0:37:390:37:42

is only part of the story.

0:37:420:37:43

Often, the frames are in equally bad condition.

0:37:430:37:46

That's where frame specialist Lester Gordon comes in.

0:37:460:37:50

They can come in varying degrees of damage.

0:37:510:37:54

-That's so ornate, but...

-Yes.

-..look at the damage here.

0:37:540:37:57

Over time it dries out

0:37:570:37:59

and bits crack and they fall off and then they lose them.

0:37:590:38:02

What would you do to bring this frame back to life?

0:38:020:38:05

First process would be to stabilise, so just check that any bits...

0:38:050:38:08

If they're going to come off, I want them to come off now.

0:38:080:38:11

For the missing bits, I then will take an impression of that

0:38:110:38:14

and then I will mould a piece to go in there.

0:38:140:38:16

The team here have a collection of over 300 original

0:38:160:38:20

18th and 19th-century wood-block moulds, used to make the decorative

0:38:200:38:24

detailing or ornaments on the frames that enabled Lester to

0:38:240:38:28

complete historically accurate repairs.

0:38:280:38:31

He's going to show me some of the techniques used.

0:38:310:38:34

Before these, people were carving whole frames,

0:38:340:38:37

so they would be carving all this kind of ornament.

0:38:370:38:40

They realised that you could pay...get one person to carve

0:38:400:38:43

a section and then get people just to press out ornaments.

0:38:430:38:47

So you can mass-produce the frames and that's what allowed people

0:38:470:38:50

-to furnish their homes so ornately in Victorian?

-Yes.

-Is it

0:38:500:38:53

something a lay person like me could have a go at?

0:38:530:38:55

There's certainly aspects of the work you could do.

0:38:550:38:57

In fact, I've got a frame that needs some ornaments pressing out now,

0:38:570:39:00

so, actually, if I move this one, we've got one we start on.

0:39:000:39:04

The compo or moulding material used

0:39:050:39:08

is a 200-year-old traditional method

0:39:080:39:11

made from chalk, called guilder's whiting, and rabbit-skin glue.

0:39:110:39:15

It is steamed to give it the elastic consistency of a hot putty material.

0:39:150:39:20

That comes out of there.

0:39:200:39:22

Over to what looks like flour, but I think it's chalk.

0:39:220:39:25

No, it's chalk. And then, just like with making dough, you dust it.

0:39:250:39:29

What makes the traditional way of doing things work so well?

0:39:290:39:32

Why haven't you modernised the technique?

0:39:320:39:34

There is no modern substance that can do the job.

0:39:340:39:37

-Very satisfying work this, isn't it?

-Yes.

-Yeah.

0:39:410:39:44

Compo goes right into all the little crevices of the mould.

0:39:460:39:50

-And then we leave it to set.

-Yes.

0:39:510:39:53

Once that cools down, that'll be soft enough,

0:39:530:39:55

we'll be able to pull that away.

0:39:550:39:57

'The compo takes five to ten minutes to cool

0:39:570:40:00

'before removing from the mould.'

0:40:000:40:02

-If you peel it out.

-Beautiful, yes.

0:40:020:40:04

So, if we carefully just let it fall onto the table.

0:40:040:40:08

-So, then we have...

-Oh, gorgeous.

0:40:080:40:10

And there we have our four corners.

0:40:100:40:12

The final stage is to cut off the ears, or rough edges,

0:40:130:40:16

around the ornaments as precisely as possible.

0:40:160:40:19

-That'll sit on there.

-Just there? Does it go up a bit

0:40:190:40:21

-or just sits there?

-That sits in the middle there like that.

0:40:210:40:24

Yeah. Perfect. Beautiful.

0:40:240:40:25

-And then along the top here.

-Yes.

0:40:300:40:32

-There we go.

-Yeah. That's a good first effort.

0:40:350:40:37

-Excellent.

-It's not...not bad.

-No.

0:40:370:40:40

I would love to spend the day here with you finishing this off

0:40:400:40:43

but I think I'd better get back.

0:40:430:40:44

Wonderful to get an insight into how you turn a plain frame like this

0:40:440:40:48

into a thing of beauty.

0:40:480:40:49

I love the power of the mystery house.

0:40:540:40:57

I'm pretty sure that Patrick and Lindsay would never have looked

0:40:570:41:00

at that property if they'd been left to their devices,

0:41:000:41:02

but now we've really put the cat amongst the pigeons,

0:41:020:41:05

and it's a choice between village life or a rural retreat.

0:41:050:41:08

What have they decided? Let's find out.

0:41:080:41:10

-Hello.

-Hi.

-Hello.

-You found a lovely spot here.

0:41:140:41:17

And you're looking very pleased,

0:41:170:41:18

so I'm hoping you've made some decisions now.

0:41:180:41:20

I think we have. Yeah.

0:41:200:41:22

I think we've decided that property number two is out of the running.

0:41:220:41:27

OK, I had a feeling.

0:41:270:41:28

I mean, you had a great reaction to the first house

0:41:280:41:31

and an even better, I've got to say, to the mystery house.

0:41:310:41:33

So, where are we at now in kind of weighing it all up?

0:41:330:41:36

Having talked about it,

0:41:360:41:37

I think the mystery house is probably in the front running.

0:41:370:41:41

I think it has a lot of charm and character

0:41:410:41:44

and the rural location that we...we really like.

0:41:440:41:47

We would need to look into the local area a bit more

0:41:470:41:51

and I think we need to do a bit more research as to what we can

0:41:510:41:55

and can't do with a grade-II listed property.

0:41:550:41:57

What about the first house then? Still in the running?

0:41:570:42:00

-Is it a close second?

-We haven't thrown it out completely.

0:42:000:42:02

But I think, yeah, the mystery house is still the leader.

0:42:020:42:05

I think I'd like to go

0:42:050:42:07

and have a second viewing of the mystery house first,

0:42:070:42:10

see how we feel and then possibly

0:42:100:42:12

a second viewing of property number one.

0:42:120:42:14

The mystery house, could that be your family home?

0:42:140:42:17

-It could well be.

-It could well be, yeah.

0:42:170:42:19

It's been a real pleasure spending time with you.

0:42:190:42:21

I can't wait to hear how it all turns out.

0:42:210:42:23

-Yeah.

-Thanks so much for having us.

-Thank you very much.

0:42:230:42:26

What a success.

0:42:290:42:30

It looks like Patrick and Lindsay

0:42:300:42:32

have fallen in love with the mystery house.

0:42:320:42:34

But it has taken some compromise,

0:42:340:42:36

and that word can often make you feel like you're giving

0:42:360:42:38

something up or you're going to lose out.

0:42:380:42:41

But I think what Patrick and Lindsay have shown us is that

0:42:410:42:43

if you're just willing to look at things a little differently,

0:42:430:42:46

it can open up a whole world of opportunity for you.

0:42:460:42:49

I'll see you next time on Escape To The Country.

0:42:490:42:51

If you would like to escape to the country

0:42:530:42:55

in Wales, Scotland, Northern Ireland, England,

0:42:550:42:58

or perhaps even further afield to the Continent

0:42:580:43:00

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